Consider 5 Key Points for Mechanical Seal Selection
What is a Mechanical Seal? Mechanical seals are used throughout all industrial processes. A mechanical seal is a device used on a rotating shaft to keep fluids in and contaminants out. These seals are located in the asset’s stuffing box or seal chamber. This is the area of the pump where the pump shaft connects to the drive. Most of the mechanical seals consist of two flat faces that are installed perpendicular to the shaft, one of the faces is mounted stationary to the seal chamber housing and the other face rotates with the shaft to provide the primary seal. This contact of seals prevents leakage and retains the fluid within the pump. They can operate for a long term without any issues, as long as they've been selected for accurate application. Below we define the operating conditions of what material characteristics to be considered for preventing improper material selection.
1. LIQUID Identifying the exact liquid that is being processed is the first step for selecting. The seal material must be able to withstand the fluid being processed. All seal materials must be chemically compatible with the fluid, or there would be an increased risk of seal failure. 2. PRESSURE The seal size and the pressure in the seal chamber determine the type of seal required. 3. TEMPERATURE Seal materials must be selected to handle the liquid’s temperature. It is important because different seal materials are measured for certain temperatures and you should not exceed the limit of these materials. 4. LIQUID CHARACTERISTICS Knowing the viscosity of the liquid is important to ensure seal life. Abrasive liquids create excessive wear and will ultimately shorten the seal's life. The use